Abstract:In order to achieve the layout optimization of web members of tower crane boom, a truss topology optimization method based on continuum was proposed. First, the optimization model was established by replacing web members with web plates. The web plates were divided into several subdomains so that the periodic SKO (soft kill option) method can be used for topology optimization of the slender boom. Next, element temperature filter function was added into the SKO method for the elimination of numerical instability like checkerboard. After getting the optimized topology of web plates, the skeleton extraction algorithm based on 8neighbourhood elements was employed to extract its skeleton and get optimized layout of web members. Based on three kinds of typical working conditions of QTZ63 tower crane, the optimization was conducted with consideration of hoisting dynamic load, wind load and inertial load. Finally, the optimized boom was proved to be effective by comparing with the original boom in strength, stiffness and stability under three typical working conditions.